5 Tips for Selling Your First Home

So you've decided that it’s time to let go of your first home and perhaps upgrade to a new one.

If you want to do it right, however, here are some tips for selling your first home so that you can do it with success and feel empowered.

Tips for selling your first home #1

Begin the declutter
Before you even list your home, you need to start thinking about all the things you don’t plan on taking with you to the new home – start decluttering your home now. Your objective is to show a home that is neutral enough that it allows homebuyers picture themselves and their stuff in it.

Tips for selling your first home #2

Decide if you want to sell or buy first
If you are building a new home from the ground up, then disregard this tip, but if you are not sure whether you want to shop around before selling your first home, the decision is not always an easy one to make.

If you make the decision to buy first, then you will need to sell your first home quickly, and you may end up losing some money in the deal. If you decide to sell first, then, unless you have somewhere to stay temporarily, you might end up settling for a home that doesn’t contain all the features you want.

Tips for selling your first home #3

Release your emotional attachment
 Whether you raised your children in this home, entertained your family for the first time or had your first baby shower, try to put those memories aside when selling.

Keep emotions at bay when listening to feedback about the home and negotiating an offer.  Remember, the buyers aren't emotionally invested in the home and won't attach "intangible" values to it - they are simply comparing the value of one home versus another.

Tips for selling your first home #4

Plan for visitors
Whether it’s by appointment only or an open house on weekends, you should begin making your home like more like a show home and less like a lived in one. Start packing away personal décor (pics of the family, heirlooms, etc.) and stage the home in a neutral fashion.

Not only will this facilitate the homebuyer’s ability to foresee themselves in their new home, it will also ease your packing for the move, as many items will already be packed.

Tips for selling your first home #5

Make small upgrades to the home
Whether you have months or weeks to make upgrades, it’s imperative that you make some minor changes that will ultimately help you sell your first home. Something as simple as repainting the walls in neutral colors and replacing small items for shiny, new ones could make all the difference.
And don’t forget to scrub your home clean to the point where you can literally eat off the floor.

Contact me today for a free Home Value Report and Staging Advice.